New Year traditions lead to unity - President

The observance of New Year traditions and rituals leads to the unity of the Nation. The mutual bonds that bring children and parents together during this festive season enhance the trust and cohesion of the Nation, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a Sinhala and Tamil New Year message.

May the Sinhala and Tamil New Year be peaceful and happy, President Rajapaksa said.

The message said: "It is my belief that a green environment and a cordial society are prerequisites for a meaningful Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

We feel the spirit of the New Year with the rejuvenation of the flora all round. The more one recedes from the natural environment and our flora, the spirit of the New Year is distanced from us.

Hence, the best way to make the New Year meaningful is to create a country where agriculture flourishes and is in harmony with nature.

I am aware that people expect their leaders to observe these traditions together with them during the New Year season, rather than holidaying away from them.

That is why we should all come together to observe the New Year traditions, irrespective of all differences. I appeal to all to observe the New Year free of alcohol and drugs. It is necessary to safeguard the New Year joy of our women and children. Hence, it is my belief that the best sacrifice we could make on behalf of the future generations is to spend the New Year free of intoxication, which even led to the loss of national freedom.

During this New Year season we should also be grateful to all who serve at their posts away from their homes, especially members of the Security Forces and the Police who are defending the country.

I wish for a future generation that is free, abstains from intoxicants, refrains from vice and enjoys the abundance of harvests, reaped through timely rains received with the blessings of all deities."